Nutrition Made Easy

Healthy Lunch Ideas

It's time to redeem the midday meal: No more bland sandwiches, soggy salads, or boring soups here. These lunches are exciting, satisfying, and portable. Our definitive guide to a healthy lunch on the go—complete with nutrition-boosting tips, make-ahead strategies, and tasty pack-and-go recipes, will have you rethinking your lunch break. Hearty greens and colorful, textured toppers make salads fun and filling. Packable and near-instant sandwiches and toasts go beyond the usual PB&J. Layered soups and fresh combinations are the no-fuss comfort foods you need at noon.

Our Best Healthy Lunch Ideas

Ah, the ubiquitous lunchbox. Whether you’re packing your own or one for every kid in the house, you may face real challenges when thinking about the midday meal. We know you want healthy options that keep you full enough to stay away from the vending machine come mid-afternoon, and the kids need lunches that won't leave them raiding the pantry when they get home. There’s also a real need for make-ahead recipes. Why would those pre-packaged lunch packs be so popular if ease of prep wasn’t the primary goal? Most importantly: How can you keep your lunch tasting good day after day? After all, if it doesn’t taste good, vending machines, drive-throughs, and lunch table swaps are inescapable. Enter our lunchbox makeover ideas. Look for "Nutrition," "Prep," and "Smart Packing" tips throughout the slideshow. They offer our secrets to building a better lunchbox meal.